Exploring the Path to European Citizenship Through Ancestry
Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and robust economies, has always been a magnet for individuals seeking a new life. For those with European roots, the path to becoming a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country may be closer than you think. Seventeen countries within the EEA offer citizenship to descendants of their citizens, sometimes extending to great-grandchildren or even more distant relatives.
The Power of European Citizenship
Being a citizen of an EEA or Single Market country opens up the right to live and work in any of the member countries. This makes these citizenships some of the most sought-after in the world. Millions of non-Europeans potentially qualify for citizenship by descent. This article provides a comprehensive list and an interactive map of European countries that offer citizenship by ancestry.
The Scope of Ancestral Citizenship
While Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are not EU member countries, they are part of the Single Market. Their citizens have the same settlement rights across Europe as citizens of EU member states. However, these four countries do not offer citizenship by descent to those who are not immediate descendants of citizens.
The Global Spread of European Descendants
Descendants of European citizens are primarily concentrated in the Americas. In the United States, as of 2016, 133 million Americans (41% of the population) reported they were of European ancestry. In Latin America, an estimated 32-40% of the population (179-220 million people) are of European descent, with nearly half of them living in Brazil.
The Potential for Ancestral Citizenship
Several European countries do not place a specific generational limit on citizenship eligibility through ancestry. For instance, if you can convincingly demonstrate that your ancestor was Hungarian, there is no limit on how many generations back you can go. The growing popularity and decreasing cost of genealogical research and DNA testing are making it easier for non-Europeans to prove their European descent.
European Citizenship by Descent Policies
Here is a list of countries that currently offer citizenship by descent, along with the generational eligibility:
- Austria: 1st generation only
- Belgium: 1st generation only
- Bulgaria: 3rd generation
- Croatia: 2nd generation
- Cyprus: 1st generation only
- Czech Republic: 2nd generation
- Denmark: 1st generation only
- Estonia: 1st generation only
- Finland: 1st generation only
- France: 1st generation only
- Germany: 1st generation only
- Greece: 3rd generation
- Hungary: 3rd generation or earlier
- Iceland: 1st generation only
- Ireland: 3rd generation
- Italy: 3rd generation or earlier
- Latvia: 3rd generation or earlier
- Liechtenstein: 1st generation only
- Lithuania: 3rd generation or earlier
- Luxembourg: 3rd generation or earlier
- Malta: 2nd generation
- Netherlands: 1st generation only
- Norway: 1st generation only
- Poland: 3rd generation or earlier
- Portugal: 2nd generation
- Romania: 2nd generation
- Slovakia: 3rd (Legislation pending)
- Slovenia: 2nd generation
- Spain: 2nd generation
- Sweden: 1st generation only
- Switzerland: 1st generation only
How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent in the EU
For more detailed information on the requirements and procedures for claiming EU citizenship through proving European ancestry, you can refer to specific articles on countries like Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering applying for citizenship by descent in one of the above European countries, it may be beneficial to consult with a law firm that specializes in these procedures. The journey to reclaiming your European heritage can be complex, but with the right guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding.